Walking Lake Garda’s Northern Shores

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7 nights accommodation

Availability Sep 2026

One itinerary available

Half Board

Grades 2 & 4 details

572kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,499

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Inc flights

Members From

£1,449

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Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Lake Garda has long attracted artists, poets, politicians, and royalty to its glittering shores – and for good reason. Located in the leafy north and fringed by the mighty Dolomites, it’s possibly the most beautiful of all the Italian Lakes. Let this walking holiday introduce you to Garda’s green hills, vineyards, and characterful collection of lakefront towns and villages. Highlights include hiking on Monte Baldo, and enjoying a boat trip across to Malcesine – a medieval town clinging to the rocks on the lake’s eastern shore.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
With an excellent location only a 7-minute walk from Limone and close to the lake, our hotel for the week, is the 4-star Garda Bellevue. (local star rating) Rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi and satellite channels. There is an outdoor pool with bar and a saltwater indoor pool in the wellness centre. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and evening meals in the dining room with panoramic views of the lake.  Breakfast is a good range of hot and cold dishes including a gluten-free corner. Dinner is included with a three-course menu of choice. (except on arrival night when it is a set menu – please advise our sales team of any dietary requirements when booking)
Garda Bellevue barlounge.jpg

Walking grades and options

This is a level 2 and level 4 graded Activity, Easier walks: 5 to 9 miles (8 to 14½km) on good paths and tracks, with some rocky sections. Up to 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16km) with some steep, rough ascents and rocky sections. Up to 2,400 feet (720m) of ascent in a day.


What You’ll Love

  • Spend the week close to the beautiful Limone sul Garda
  • Soaking up the 360-degree views on the Monte Baldo cable car 
  • Walking the old Ponale Road from Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley 
  • Visiting the medieval village of Canale, an artist’s haven 
  • Admiring the views of Lake Garda from Monte Bestone  

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Limone
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Arrive at your hotel in Limone sul Garda. Unpack and settle in. Stretch your legs along the picturesque promenade hugging Lake Garda

Limone sul Garda is a small pearl located on the western side and is the most northerly town on the lake. With its inviting promenade and picturesque cobblestone alleys this old town has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The mediterranean landscape dotted with olive and lemon trees is a perfect environment for walking

Option 1 - Sentiero del Sole

Distance: 5.6 miles (9km)


Total Ascent: 490ft (150m)


In summary: Starting from the hotel we take a stroll through the old of Limone. We walk along the picturesque lakeside promenade, then through the narrow alleys and the lemon garden until we reach the beautiful cycle path hanging onto the Lake. The view is stunning at make this path unique in Europe. The way back goes partially on an higher panoramic path, part of the Sentiero del Sole.

Option 2 - San Giovanni Stream
Distance: 6.8 miles (11km)
 
Ascent: 1,215ft (370m)

In summary: Starting from the hotel we take a stroll through the old town of Limone. We walk along the picturesque lakeside promenade, then through the narrow alleys and the lemon garden until we reach the Sentiero Natura.

We follow the course of San Giovanni stream to a panoramic view point and a small waterfall. From here we continue exploring the area above Limone enjoying amazing views onto the lake and the mountains. Back in the Old Town of Limone time at leisure .



 

Since the late 1990s the old Ponale road has been used only by walkers and mountain-bikers. It is one of the main attractions of upper Garda and offers great views of the lake. Deep in the heart of the valley are the emerald Alpine waters of Lake Ledro surrounded by mountains and forests.

Option 1 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa and Lake Ledro on foot

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Total ascent: 2,500 feet (790m)

In summary: We’ll take the same route as option one, instead, we’ll continue to Lake Ledro on foot from Biacesa.

Option 2 - Ledro Valley to Biacesa

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Total ascent: 1,800 feet (550m)

In summary: We’ll walk the old Ponale Road, which winds its way from Riva del Garda via numerous small tunnels and a canyon to Ledro Valley. On the way, you’ll spot WWI fortifications and the Ponale waterfall before we stop to take it all in on a terrace high above Lake Garda. You’ll see all the way down to Torbole, Riva, and Malcesine, nestled beneath Monte Baldo.  

We’ll continue to the small mountain village of Biacesa where a coach will take us to Lake Ledro. You can choose between visiting the museum here, dedicated to the Bronze Age communities, or enjoying a wander around the pretty lake shore.  

Enjoying a boat trip across the lake we head to the medieval town of Malcesine situated on the lower slopes of Monte Baldo. This is one of the most attractive towns on the shores of Lake Garda with its cobbled streets overlooked by the beautiful Castello Scaligero. Our walks from the town take in some wonderful panoramic views

Option 1 - Monte Baldo cable car and Ventrar path

Same as Option 1 but on more challenging terrain and a short detour adding 1km and 50m ascent.

Walking Time: Approx 3 Hours

Distance: 4.5miles (7km)

Ascent: 850feet (260m)

Option 2 - Monte Baldo Cable Car

By boat, we reach the pretty town of Malcesine, famous for its medieval castle perched on an enormous, impressive boulder above the lake. After a short walk through Malcesine's quaint and colorful town center, we make our way to the cable car station for an exciting ascent to Monte Baldo's top station, which sits at 1,780 m / 5,800 ft a.s.l. (above sea level), offering striking views over Lake Garda and its surrounding mountains. From here, we hike uphill on a gravel road to a panoramic viewpoint nestled at the foot of Cima Pozzette, where we admire sweeping views extending across the southern part of Lake Garda. We then descend along a different path to the vicinity of the cable car station, from where we continue to the grassy fields of La Colma, our second viewpoint of today's hike, famous for its breathtaking views over the northern side of the lake and the Brenta Dolomites in the distance. As we make our way back to the cable car stationfor our ride down to Malcesine, we have the chance to admire paragliders taking off into the sky.
Explore Malcesine's town center at your own pace before meeting the rest of the group for the return boat journey to Limone.

Walking time: Approx. 2.5 hours

Distance: 3.75miles (6km)

Ascent: 700feet (215m)

You’ll have a free day to explore the area around Lake Garda as you please, or simply relax at the hotel.  

Limone sul Garda – the lakeside town where we’re staying is well worth further exploration. The waterfront restaurants offer typical dishes with stop-and-stare views while its cobbled streets lead you to historic delights like the Church of San Benedetto Abate and San Rocco. There’s also the open-air museum, Limonaia del Castel, an 18th century lemon house.  

Garda Cycle Path – fringing the entire shore of Lake Garda, you can walk or cycle your way between towns.  

Lake Garda’s beaches tempt with azure waters and mountain views, especially those around Limone sul Garda. Pebble beaches like Grostol, Fonte Torrente San Giovanni, and Cola provide an idyllic place to relax.  

Riva del Garda – a day trip to another of Lake Garda’s gems, Riva del Garda, tempts with impossibly scenic mountain and lake views thanks to its location at the end of the lake. A stroll around the historic centre will lead you to its medieval fortress and Torre Apponale. 

Today we head to the beautiful town of Arco with its distinctive remains of a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the olive groves and the town's historic centre. Both walks start from Arco. In the past it was a fief of the Roman Empire while in 1804 it became part of Austrian rule. After changing hands several times Arco finally became part of Italy in 1918.
 
Option 1 - Arco and Monte Baone

Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)


Ascent: 1115ft (340m)


In summary: We follow the same route as option one, starting in Arco and walking up to the castle. From here we continue our route on Monte Baone before returning to Arco. We do not ascend the mountain. On return to Arco, you may like to reward yourself with a delicious ice cream or relax in a café before we head back to Limone.

Option 2 - Arco and its olive groves

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)


Ascent: 689ft (210m)


In summary: Travel by coach to the town of Arco where our walk begins. We follow a path through the Arboretum where we can admire plants from all over the world. We continue through public gardens and olive tree groves leading up to the castle. We hike among olive groves with amazing views of the lake and mountains all around. Returning to Arco you can enjoy free time exploring and you might like to search for souvenirs and taste a delicious ice-cream from one of the many gelaterias

On the Trentino side of Lake Garda, our walks take us to Lake Tenno and the medieval town of Canale di Tenno. Pretty Lake Tenno has a nearly perfect round form and is surrounded by trees at the foot of Monte Misone. Canale di Tenno is an ancient town which remains mostly intact from the first written records listing it in 1211. Cobbled lanes, stone houses sitting closely together, arches and small squares create a medieval atmosphere.

Option 1 - Ballino Pass to Tenno Castle

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Total ascent: 490 feet (150m)

Total Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: A coach will take us to the Ballino Pass from where we’ll begin our hike along ancient mule tracks. Our first stop will be Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters, then Canale, a picturesque medieval village that’s listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful. We’ll wind up the walk at Tenno Castle where the coach will take us back. 

Option 2 - Canale - Rifugio San Pietro - Tenno

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 2100 feet (650m)

In summary: We’ll begin at Lake Tenno, heading up to the village of Canale. Following a steep forest path we’ll reach Rifugio San Pietro, situated in the midst of a meadow with views over upper Garda. We’ll head back down to Tenno to join the rest of the group. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. 

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 4

Medium Walks

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Accommodation

Hotel Garda Bellevue – Lake Garda

With an excellent location only a 7-minute walk from Limone and close to the lake, our hotel for the week, is the 4-star Garda Bellevue. (local star rating) Rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi and satellite channels. There is an outdoor pool with bar and a saltwater indoor pool in the wellness centre. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and evening meals in the dining room with panoramic views of the lake.  Breakfast is a good range of hot and cold dishes including a gluten-free corner. Dinner is included with a three-course menu of choice. (except on arrival night when it is a set menu – please advise our sales team of any dietary requirements when booking)

Splendid Palace Hotel, Limone (25th April, 2nd May & 9th May 20

Situated among the lemon groves above Lake Garda, this elegant 4-star hotel offers sweeping views and air-conditioned rooms complete with all mod cons for a comfortable stay.  After a day of walking, relax with a swim in the indoor swimming pool or a soak in the hot tub. Should you wish to explore, the hotel is just a short stroll from Limone’s historic centre. Breakfast is a generous buffet, while evenings feature a menu of Italian and international dishes.

More Information

Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

With flights EU & WW

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights EU

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Local currency (Europe)

The local currency is the Euro (€)

Electricity information for Lake Garda

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

ATM availability for Lake Garda

There are several ATM machines in Limone where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint - 572kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Reviews

Code: LMN07-LCL09

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Dates & availability

Walking Lake Garda’s Northern Shores

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

5 Sep - 12 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

12 Sep - 19 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

Save £50 Per Person

26 Sep - 3 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

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£1,449 £1,399

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£1,399 £1,349

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Single rooms

£1,787 £1,737

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£1,737 £1,687

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£1,687 £1,637

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£1,637 £1,587

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

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